Colonic lipomas are common in the general population, but are only rarely symptomatic.1 Pain and chronic blood loss are the most common symptoms, although other difficulties are encountered as well.2 The lesions have a typical but nondiagnostic roentgenographic appearance; their endoscopic diagnosis and even removal have been reported. Removal of these benign lesions is generally recommended to exclude a diagnosis of carcinoma, with only minor emphasis on prevention of direct complications of the lipoma itself. Our experience with a recent case suggests that a more aggressive approach be made to prevent complications of lipoma rather than to rule out coexistent disease.

Report of a Case.—A 69-year-old man was admitted because of rectal bleeding. Five days prior to admission, he noted the onset of increased frequency of stools, followed by frank rectal bleeding. This progressed until the patient was passing cups full of blood and had orthostatic hypotension